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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: BlindAssassin111 on Wed, 12 February 2025, 18:02:44

Title: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes - Launching Q1 2026
Post by: BlindAssassin111 on Wed, 12 February 2025, 18:02:44
EDIT: This OP is out of date, check the newest update for better info. A lot of changes have been made and a redo of the entire OP would be required to fully encompass everything.


(https://i.imgur.com/F9B68Ni.png)

Astro Domes

- The goal of Astro Domes was to replicate the feel of BKE Redux, but with a closed top in order to have a better sounding build overall. I can confidently say we have achieved that goal with ease. So no more need to make WTB posts for ridiculous amounts of money only to be short a few domes for your build and waiting another year to find more.

- Now you might be wondering, what is with these names? Well bless your heart, Astro Domes are themed around cities in Texas (mostly). Shiner, Pepper, Weird, Lean, Fiesta, and Big D reference the cities Shiner, Waco, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas (respectively). Better than a not-light dome being called light amirite? And another fun fact, the top of each dome is a T20 torx drive, so do with that what you will.


Where to buy: https://sneakbox.com/ (https://sneakbox.com/)

When will they be available?

Pack Quantities: Pricing TBA, but cheaper than competitors.

Weights*: Colors TBA
*Weights measured without a spring and are averaged. Listed weight is at the peak of the tactile bump. Some variation is expected. Final numbers may change a bit depending on final samples.

Comparisons: (Note: BKE Redux comparisons for feel and weight, Deskeys BKE for weight only as they feel a slight bit different)
- As far as feel goes, they are very binary/snappy like the original BKE Redux domes. Compared to Deskeys V1/BKE, Astro Domes are more tactile/snappier hence why I say compare only the weight not the feel as it will feel different.


Prototypes:
More
(https://i.imgur.com/vKWryy2.jpeg)
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: DirtyGingy on Wed, 12 February 2025, 18:04:25
This was unexpected. I'm curious at the very least. Good to see you and Muji working on some shenanigans
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: MoonBlasterBow on Wed, 12 February 2025, 18:27:20
very nice!! I am all in and can't wait!  :D
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: Xezioh on Wed, 12 February 2025, 18:45:51
YES PLEASE!

Fiesta and Big D sounds yummy  :D
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: sanzocon on Thu, 13 February 2025, 00:50:43
Yes, please !  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES on Thu, 13 February 2025, 01:43:06
cvlt got to you about the weights didn’t he
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: LavenderB on Thu, 13 February 2025, 04:18:51
BKE Redux Redux
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: Xury46 on Thu, 13 February 2025, 09:06:48
Fantastic, count me in!!!
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: Patty on Thu, 13 February 2025, 10:05:43
maaan now I absolutely have to get an EC board, awesome work!
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: Rob27shred on Thu, 13 February 2025, 12:33:08
Trying to suck me back in the world of rubber domes I see... :cool: Seriously though, awesome project as the OG BKE Redux domes were my favs when I was still messing with Topre. Looks like I'll have to scrounge up another 660C somehow!
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: phaxin on Thu, 13 February 2025, 16:47:45
Exciting!! Will wait for these instead of getting deskeys domes  :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: OrinNYC on Mon, 17 February 2025, 10:00:47
Def will be checking these out!
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: flittyregg on Mon, 17 February 2025, 20:39:49
super excited for this!
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: BlindAssassin111 on Sat, 22 February 2025, 15:17:08
Update:

- Production samples should arrive in the first week of march. So looking more like late march or early april as the launch window now.
- There will also be a few surprises announced once I get those samples in. So stay tuned for those!
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: Xury46 on Sun, 23 February 2025, 02:45:36
Thank you for the update, I'm excited to try these out and do a rebuild of my Heavy-9
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: Microck on Sun, 23 February 2025, 05:36:54
looking forward to this
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: LXVRGS on Sun, 23 February 2025, 13:23:08
Quote from: IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES on Thu, 13 February 2025, 01:43:06
cvlt got to you about the weights didn’t he

i dont know what you mean by this
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: Woovie on Sun, 23 February 2025, 14:44:50
Having tried some of the first samples, I’m incredibly excited for the hobby to finally have good, new domes. Y’all will love these  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: notquiet on Wed, 26 February 2025, 04:17:16
Hell yeah! excited to try em out :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: boku on Thu, 27 February 2025, 19:03:50
BlindAssassin111 good
Topre good

Astro domes good

Super excited to try these out!
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: audax989 on Fri, 28 February 2025, 17:17:40
Watching this. Lately I've been preferring lighter domes so would definitely want to try out those 35g when they come out
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: lecorsair on Sat, 01 March 2025, 10:19:28
Question:

I recently picked a Leopold FC980C 45g and it feels a little bit on the mushy side, for a snappier feel would the Lean(70g) domes help any bit? or give the Wierd(50g) a go?
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: BlindAssassin111 on Sat, 01 March 2025, 13:37:45
Quote from: lecorsair on Sat, 01 March 2025, 10:19:28
Question:

I recently picked a Leopold FC980C 45g and it feels a little bit on the mushy side, for a snappier feel would the Lean(70g) domes help any bit? or give the Wierd(50g) a go?

Both will be much more tactile than the stock 45g domes, if you like that weight though then Weird. Now if you feel the stock domes are too light, then consider Lean. But we will have sample packs with Weird, Lean, Fiesta, and Big D if you want to give them a try first before buying a boards worth of a particular weight.
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: BlindAssassin111 on Tue, 04 March 2025, 12:22:55
Update:

- The production samples arrived yesterday and after doing some weight measurements every dome was heavier than the initial samples. Which raised some alarms.
- Talked with the manu and it is an issue with the production mold not having a change that was done for the initial samples, so the mold will have to be modified or redone. Which means everything is delayed until new samples can arrive in a few weeks time most likely.
- So the launch date is for sure going to be in April now
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: Xury46 on Wed, 05 March 2025, 13:35:41
That's a bummer, but I'm glad you caught the issue and I appreciate the update!
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: lecorsair on Sat, 08 March 2025, 17:12:56
Thanks for the answer and update. Still excited!
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: Annata20 on Mon, 24 March 2025, 11:14:23
Great with this new update
Chill Guy Clicker (https://chillguyclickers.com)
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: yeh on Tue, 25 March 2025, 01:04:00
thanks for the update - will return in April!
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: harris01 on Wed, 26 March 2025, 03:16:27
Sounds promising! Glad to see a more affordable option compared to competitors. Looking forward to the launch!
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: GMK_Andy on Tue, 01 April 2025, 21:16:04
120g domes? Yeah, going to need to try that.
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: BlindAssassin111 on Tue, 01 April 2025, 23:56:23
Update:

- The last samples had a few issues still, but the manu was able to get new samples that should hopefully fix that shipped out within the week. Should have those April 3rd and be able to test the change. Hoping this is the last piece to the puzzle of what could have changed between my initial samples and production samples.
- So the launch date is still planned for April but not sure exactly when. But know I am very much making sure these domes are exactly what I initially claimed and wanted from the start. So if it delays the release in order to perfect my my domes, so be it.


Quote from: GMK_Andy on Tue, 01 April 2025, 21:16:04
120g domes? Yeah, going to need to try that.

And that isn't even the end of the exciting things to come :cool:
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: BlindAssassin111 on Wed, 09 April 2025, 22:53:05
Update:

- The samples I got on April 2nd still had a bit of correction needed. Trying to go back to basics and try a new approach to the issue. Should hopefully have new samples in a few weeks.
- The launch date is most likely going to be in May now. I hate to delay any further but I would rather these be perfect. And hopefully by that time the tariff situation is no longer a concern but who knows.

Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: Xury46 on Thu, 10 April 2025, 01:53:41
Thank you again for keeping us in the loop, I'm still very excited for these domes!
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: nathanchere on Thu, 10 April 2025, 13:32:19
Following
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: BlindAssassin111 on Wed, 23 April 2025, 20:52:01
Update:

- Newest samples just shipped, should hopefully be delivered monday or tuesday next week. Hopefully all goes well and we can get back to production asap.

Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: Lanes on Thu, 01 May 2025, 11:10:11
Super excited for the Weirds. Hopefully the new samples are all good!
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: Metakeebs on Fri, 02 May 2025, 06:22:33
Glad to see that there are more choices and innovations in the EC community!
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: BlindAssassin111 on Wed, 07 May 2025, 19:33:20
Update:

- The last samples still had issues, and because of this we have decided to stop using this manufacturer. It wasn't a fun decision to make but since no sample after the initial felt the same no matter what we did, it was the right choice.
- I have now emailed a manufacturer I have worked with before and will hope we can get back on track asap.
- This means the release date is now postponed until further notice. Maybe in a month or two depending on how fast this manu is with matching and turnaround time for everything.
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: Xury46 on Wed, 07 May 2025, 20:23:31
Sad to hear this, but I'm glad the project is still moving forward. Best of luck with the new manufacturer!
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: vhaarr on Thu, 08 May 2025, 00:37:12
Excellent decision, good job!
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: BlindAssassin111 on Sat, 23 August 2025, 10:48:11
Update:

- We have started work with a new manufacturer. Hoping to have good news in early September!
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: StormyMonday on Wed, 17 September 2025, 00:28:01
Following ...
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: BlindAssassin111 on Fri, 26 September 2025, 23:44:13
Update:

- Samples from the new manu are done and should be in my hands very soon. Hoping all goes well but we shall see once those arrive. Will update once I know more.
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: lecorsair on Sat, 27 September 2025, 10:28:37
Looking forward to it. Fingers crossed for you!
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: BossKeebs on Thu, 02 October 2025, 22:49:58
May I ask how do these domes differ from normal ones?
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: vhaarr on Sun, 05 October 2025, 03:02:13
Quote from: BossKeebs on Thu, 02 October 2025, 22:49:58
May I ask how do these domes differ from normal ones?

Which are the "normal" ones? I'd suggest you search the web for "BKE Redux vs topre" and start there.
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
Post by: BlindAssassin111 on Sat, 25 October 2025, 19:27:05
Update:

- Samples arrived and after some testing and opinions from others, I have sent a list of revisions to the manu. Some weights are good as-is, and some need work so lets hope just this next round is all that is left.
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes - Launching Q1 2026
Post by: BlindAssassin111 on Tue, 06 January 2026, 15:13:13
Update:

Update copied from the conical discord IC:

Okay, as mentioned we wired the money for production to begin last night. Trying to figure out when that will be finished before I can confidently say what day we hope to launch.

At the moment I am waiting on a response regarding CNY/LNY and if we can have everything shipped before then to avoid that delay. Really hope we can because otherwise mid March would be the earliest possible start. Really hoping to be done be the end of the month and get everything setup and started in February but have to :pray:

As for what is available at launch, look below. Pricing isn't going to be made public until launch just in case we need to modify pricing for some reason, but expect very competitive pricing.
- Normal Packs: 8x 1U strips and 1x 2U strip per pack
  - Shiner: 35g
  - Pepper: 50g
  - Weird: 70g
  - Lean: 90g
  - Fiesta: 120g

- Sample Packs: 5x 1U strips at launch (6x with Big D down the road)
  - 1x Shiner, 1x Pepper, 1x Weird, 1x Lean, and 1x Fiesta
  - Fairly limited packs at the start just to let people who aren't sure at all what they want to have a test. Will be stocked but if only these sell out, it will not be restocked until a larger order needs to be made.

- Big D (160g) will be added at a later date once those have been fixed and cleared for sale. They will have normal packs and then be added into all future sample packs

- Bonus:
  - For those who have been following I have been hinting at a **redacted** option for a bit, mostly for fun. *But* for the first 500 orders there will be a free strip of the heaviest tactile domes ever sold. You read that right, heaviest ever sold, with a whooping ~500g peak. These will only be available as a single strip as a free gift for helping make this dream a reality. Once they are sold out, they are gone. You can attempt to collect strips from others to build a full board but know the 2U strips are super rares (11.5x more 1U than 2U). Though you could theoretically make 15 orders in hopes to build an HHKB.



Now onto some info just to catch those not in the conical server:
- What in the hell is Pepper? We things happened after the new manu and we decided to add a new weight, but I had to keep the naming for Big D at the top so I shifted the names a bit.
- Why is Big D not launching now? A few issues with slow return and a single case where the dome got stuck down in sampling. So we want to fix those issues before selling. Just decided to delay one dome than keep delaying the whole project for that single weight.
- What are the colors? Once we get pretty pictures I will share in the announcement post. But we are the first and only domes with swirled colors on half of the product line, so look forward to some cool options. If anyone copies this, know we were the first and they suck for copying my style.

If I missed anything sorry, it is hard to remember what needs to be updated in multiple locations, so forgive me. I will update the OP maybe...or might just leave it for when I do the for sale announcement post instead because it needs a full overhaul and some info can't be said now (like pricing) or nice pictures so...later.
Title: Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes - Launching Q1 2026
Post by: IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES on Tue, 06 January 2026, 16:12:55
u the big D